Pastor Alyssa Holtan and Mark

GLOCAL (Global and Local) Missions Pastor

Pastor Alyssa is our Glocal Missions Pastor. Her mission is to see the church know the heart of God and share it with the unreached and unchurched in our local community and beyond. Alyssa was raised in Willmar and continues to live here with her husband Mark and their son Miles and daughter Nora. Besides loving Jesus, she also has a passion for baking and sharing her treats with family and friends. In their free time, the Holtans can be found watching movies, going to plays and trying new foods.

Fun Fact: The Holtans are often found sneaking spoonfuls of cookie dough, though they’d be equally as happy eating freshly baked cookies with a side of something spicy.

Pastor Alyssa's One-Minute Witness:

"There was a time in my life when I felt abandoned and unwanted. This was shortly after my parents separated. Even though I had grown up in a Christian home and always went to church, until this point, my faith in Jesus had never been tested. One night, when I was feeling especially sad and alone, my dad started playing worship songs on his trumpet. As he played, the presence of God surrounded me. In that moment I knew He loved and wanted me and would never abandon me. I knew I was not alone.

"When I realized Jesus loved me so deeply I surrendered my life and all of my pain to Him and received His healing love into my heart.

"Since I’ve met Jesus, I have still experienced painful moments that are hard to get past but am always able to lean on Him to walk me through those difficult times.

"If I had never met Jesus, I would believe the lies that I am unwanted and unloved and would be living a dark and hopeless life. Because of Jesus, I know I am wanted and loved and my life is filled with His hope and light. It gives me a greater purpose to share that hope and light with those living in darkness."